Rennes vs Metz – News and Probable Lineups

Rennes will be looking to bounce back following a disappointing defeat as they host Ligue 1’s struggling side, FC Metz, at Roazhon Park this Sunday afternoon.

The home side remains keenly focused on their quest for European qualification in Ligue 1, while the visitors come into this match facing the grim reality of relegation.

Match overview

Rennes started last weekend in strong form, having achieved four straight league victories, which include a resounding 4-0 win over OGC Nice and a noteworthy 3-1 triumph against Paris Saint-Germain, solidifying their European ambitions.

Nevertheless, Franck Haise’s team faced a setback in their latest match, suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Lille OSC. Goals from Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Hakon Haraldsson placed Lille in command, and even though Esteban Lepaul managed to reduce the deficit in the second half, they failed to mount a comeback.

The Bretons currently hold the seventh position in the Ligue 1 standings with 43 points from 26 matches, which includes 12 wins, seven draws, and seven losses, placing them just outside the European qualification spots, and trailing AS Mônaco – who occupy the last continental berth – only on goal difference.

Consequently, Rennes will be eager to return to winning form without delay, and there is ample reason for hope, as they have triumphed in each of their last eight league clashes against Metz, marking their longest winning streak against a single opponent in Ligue 1.

Furthermore, Rennes has secured victory in six of their last seven league encounters against teams residing in the bottom half of the table, demonstrating their ability to handle struggling teams effectively.

On the other hand, Metz arrives in Brittany having a deeply concerning season, with their return to Ligue 2 after just one season in the top division increasingly looking inevitable.

Les Grenats are currently at the bottom of the table, collecting only 13 points from 26 matches, with a record of three victories, four draws, and 19 defeats – the gap to safety steadily increasing as the season progresses, now finding themselves 14 points away from survival.

The Lorraine club is on a winless streak for their last 11 matches across all competitions, with their most recent league victory dating back to November, where they have managed just two draws and suffered 12 losses over a span of 14 Ligue 1 games.

Their latest match resulted in a chaotic 4-3 home defeat to Toulouse FC; despite goals from Nathan Mbala, Koffi Kouao, and Giorgi Abuashvili leveling the score at 3-3, a stoppage-time goal by Mario Sauer condemned them to a harsh defeat.

This result also highlighted the defensive issues that have troubled Metz all season, having conceded 60 league goals – the highest among Europe’s top five leagues – while also experiencing a league-high 11 away losses this season.

Team News

Rennes enters this match with relatively few selection issues, though defender Jeremy Jacquet – who is set to join Liverpool FC in the summer – remains sidelined due to shoulder surgery, expected to keep him out for the rest of the season.

Sebastian Szymanski and Przemyslaw Frankowski have both returned from injury in the last match, featuring from the bench in the loss to Lille.

A significant portion of the attacking threat will again rely on Lepaul, who netted his 14th league goal of the season in that match and currently sits just one goal behind the league’s top scorer.

For Metz, they must manage without Benjamin Stambouli, who is ruled out with a rib fracture, while Joseph Mangondo is also unavailable due to a knee injury.

They are joining Cleo Melieres and Boubacar Traore on the treatment table, with Giorgi Kvilitaia also a doubt after missing the last fixture.

Rennes probable starting XI:

Samba; Nagida, Rouault, Brassier, Merlin; Szymanski, Rongier, Camara; Tamari, Lepaul, Nordin

Metz probable starting XI:

Fischer; Kouao, S. Sane, Mboula, Colin; Gbamin, Hein; Sarr, Deminguet, Tsitaishvili; Diallo

Rennes will be eager to respond after their defeat to Lille, and they possess the attacking talent to exploit Metz’s vulnerable defense right from the start.

Having conceded the most goals this season, Metz faces a formidable challenge against a Rennes side in full attacking stride at Roazhon Park, diminishing their chances of reducing that tally.